New Coca-Cola Chief Ivester
Offers Unexpected Olive Branch

By

Nikhil Deogun Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated Oct. 29, 1997 12:41 a.m. ET

NEW YORK -- Coca-Cola Co.'s new chairman and chief executive officer, M. Douglas Ivester, in his first speech as the company's top executive, struck a surprisingly conciliatory note, emphasizing that opportunities exist for increased soft-drink sales for both Coke and its rivals.

Speaking at a meeting here Tuesday of the National Soft Drink Association, Mr. Ivester -- long known as an aggressive, even ruthless competitor within the beverage industry -- appeared to take pains to assume a more statesman-like posture. His...